Press Releases
January 30, 2008
Contact: Lawrence Pacheco (202) 715-1555
FutureGen Alliance Remains Committed to Mattoon Site
WASHINGTON, D.C. — FutureGen Alliance Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Mudd released the following statement in reaction to the January 29 meeting between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Illinois congressional delegation:
"FutureGen's progress has been remarkable and it is America's best hope for near-zero emission coal technology. The Alliance, which is an independent non-profit entity, has proposed new solutions to address cost concerns, is committed to its cooperative agreement with DOE, and will continue to work with Congress, the State of Illinois, foreign governments, and other stakeholders to keep FutureGen moving ahead at Mattoon, Ill.
"Under the Clinton administration, the DOE developed the concept of a near-zero emission coal-fueled power plant, and it was the right vision for the 21st century. When President Bush challenged industry to lead the design and construction of such a plant, industry responded and entered into a cooperative agreement with DOE to turn concept into reality. The Alliance appreciates this presidential leadership to develop clean coal technology.
"Climate change is a global challenge that requires global solutions. FutureGen currently involves coal-fueled utilities and coal companies that provide energy services to millions of customers on six continents. This global involvement is critical to the rapid development and deployment of near-zero emission power technology around the world.
"FutureGen will be a commercial-scale power plant with carbon capture and sequestration, which is one of its hallmarks. Carbon capture and sequestration is an important technology, but it must be integrated with advanced power plant technology so that we understand the full system cost, performance and operating strategies.
"FutureGen can deliver the needed technology with urgency. It will take four to five years for DOE to evaluate new proposals, place contracts, and conduct environmental reviews for new projects. FutureGen has crossed these hurdles and is positioned for success.
"The Alliance remains committed to keeping FutureGen on track. We owe it to the people of Illinois, to the Alliance members who have contributed significant funds and resources to bring the project to this stage and to society which depends on technology to provide clean, affordable and secure energy."
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About the FutureGen Alliance
The FutureGen Alliance, a non-profit organization, represents some of the world's largest coal companies and electric utilities including: American Electric Power, Anglo American, BHP Billiton, the China Huaneng Group, CONSOL Energy Inc., E.ON U.S., Foundation Coal, Luminant, PPL Corporation, Rio Tinto Energy America, Peabody Energy, Southern Company, and Xstrata Coal. These companies provide energy to tens of millions of residential, business, and industrial customers in North America, Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa and South America. The Alliance is partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy to design and build the facility. Learn more about FutureGen and the Alliance at http://www.FutureGenAlliance.org/.